News Release

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Public's Help Needed to Put Names to Faces - RHD Releases More than 100 Images Recovered in the Possession of Serial Murder Suspect

UPDATE

December 20, 2010

After posting 180 images recovered from the home of Lonnie David Franklin Jr., ‘The Grim Sleeper,’ on www.LAPDonline.org, the site experienced a tremendous amount of activity.

Detectives have been able to remove 29 photos from the group of images that were posted online and in the news. Out of the 29 photos; eight were duplicates, one was a known victim whose family was unable to attend the identification meeting held by the department. A majority of the women depicted in the photos are alive and well; a few have died from natural causes and a few have been identified as missing persons.

If there is any further information available please contact the 1-877-LAPD-24-7 telephone line.

We are grateful for the public’s continued response to the release of the images. It is our fervent hope that with this response, coupled with the tireless efforts of our detectives, the women depicted in these images will be positively identified.

UPDATE

December 16, 2010

After posting 180 images recovered from the home of Lonnie David Franklin Jr., ‘The Grim Sleeper,’ on www.LAPDonline.org, the site experienced a tremendous amount of activity.

In anticipation of the increased traffic, and prior to posting the images, the Department had maximized the internet server’s capability to efficiently handle the response.

So far, detectives have received dozens of telephone calls to the 1-877-LAPD-24-7 telephone line.

We are grateful for the public’s response to the release of the images. It is our fervent hope that with this response, coupled with the tireless efforts of our detectives, the women depicted in these images will be positively identified.
Los Angeles: Today, more than 100 images recovered in the possession of a serial murder suspect were made public. Detectives hope to put names to the faces of the women and learn more about their contact with the suspect known as the “Grim Sleeper.”

On July 8, 2010, 57-year-old Lonnie David Franklin Jr., was arrested for a series of murders, ten women and one man, dating back to 1985. In the hours and days that followed, detectives and evidence technicians recovered thousands of items of evidence. Many of the items seized were photographs and videotapes.

LAPD investigators have assembled a group of images from the photographs and videotapes. The Department cares about the welfare of these women and is hoping both the public and other law enforcement agencies will be able to provide information on their identities and whereabouts.

The images depict the likeness of women or a unique feature. It is believed that some of the images are duplicate photos of some of the women. Investigators also believe that many, if not all of the women, had some form of contact with Lonnie David Franklin Jr., the suspected serial murderer, known in the media as the “Grim Sleeper.”

Robbery Homicide Detective Dennis Kilcoyne said, "We have a responsibility to identify these women. They may be alive and well, but we need to be certain."

The photographs can be viewed at the Los Angeles Police Department’s official website: www.LAPDonline.org. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.